Developmental Academy Program Overview

Building a foundation for future soccer success

Wesley Chapel Developmental Academy (DA for short) is specifically designed to offer younger players a higher level of soccer training at an early age in a fun and age appropriate way. By teaching players “the right way” to play the game early on – with a focus on teaching technical skills and promoting a passion for the game – it will lead to many more years of enjoyment and success on the field for them.

For the 2017-18 season, The DA Program will accept children born in calendar years 2010-2011-2012. Teams will be split up primarily according to the child’s age, but this division will also be flexible according to the skill. The intent is to provide your child a safe, positive, motivating environment where he/she can develop their team and individual skills.

Why should I put my child on the Developmental Academy Program?

DA brings in the experience and training of our competitive coaches without the travel commitment. Based on survey feedback from parents, the DA Program has proven to be a forum for kids to experience a higher-level of soccer training and development, while still incorporating the positive and fun experience normally associated with recreational soccer.

Again, the focus is on training, development and FUN! Parent surveys indicated that the kids involved in DA were even more excited about soccer at the end of the year and they did not want the season to end. The kids enjoyed not only the game, but also looked forward to training sessions. Parents stated they could not believe what there child had learned and how much fun they had doing it. Although the training and coaching is a much higher level than typical rec soccer, it is done in a very positive and age appropriate manner. There is no “stress” involved for the kids, coaches or parents.

It is important to emphasize that the DA Program is not about winning, losing, team A versus team B, trophies, etc. It is all about individual player development and fostering a passion for the beautiful game of soccer.

Training Staff

Coaching certiﬁcation begins at the state level with certification provided by the Florida Youth Soccer Association, FYSA ‘F,’ ‘E,’ and ‘D’ licenses. From the state-level licenses, coaches can obtain National United State Soccer Federation (USSF) licenses ‘C,’‘B’ and ‘A.’ All coaches training your children are FYSA or USSF Certified and/or are part of the WCSC Competitive Training Staff.

Season Practice and Match Schedule

Practices will begin TBD and will be on Monday and Wednesday nights at 6pm. Matches will be played on Friday nights beginning in August. All matches will be played at WCSC home fields at the WC District Park.

Cost and Registration

Due when you register: $165- plus $10 Park Fee (same as recreational soccer);

Additional Training Fees: $200 total split up over 4 to 6 months for a total of $375 for the entire program.

Training season from October 2017 to Feb 2018; including 2 sessions a week for a total of 2.5 hours/week with United States Soccer Federation and/or European professional soccer organization Licensed competitive coaches.

14 regular season Friday night games; Opportunity for additional scrimmage games, if desired; all at WCDP

End of the Year Academy tournament Other “friendly” tournaments, if desired by parents

What age is DA and at what age does competitive start?
Our academy program starts at u6 and goes through u8, which is children born in 2010-2011-2012 calendar years. The regular competitive soccer program starts at U9.

Does the program separate the boys and girls?Yes, there will be distinct programs for boys and girls, with separate training and games.